High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini met today with Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil to discuss the current situation in the country after the phone conversation they had last week. High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini emphasized that the European Union has strong and long-standing ties with Lebanon, built on friendship, joint work and close cooperation and reaffirmed EU support to Lebanon and Lebanese institutions. In the last months, the European Union has closely followed and supported the great achievements accomplished under the unity government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, including the announcement of the holding of parliamentary elections next year.

High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini reiterated the importance to ensure that the same level of unity is maintained by all political parties in Lebanon in working together, building on these domestic achievements, and preventing any escalation in the country. The stability, unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country are to be preserved. High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini stressed that the European Union will continue to support Lebanon in this respect.

High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini and Minister Bassil agreed there should not be any external interference in the country, and that regional dynamics and tensions should not affect the country’s national agenda, that has to stay focused on Lebanon and the Lebanese citizens.

The High Representative/Vice-President agreed to stay in touch with Minister Bassil to follow the situation in Lebanon. Close contacts will continue also with Prime Minister Hariri, through the EU’s diplomatic channels: High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini expects him and his family to return to Lebanon in the coming days.